Novato's 'Paint the Town Red' Celebration Promises to Deliver in 2016

The following was submitted for publication by the Novato Paint the Town Red Committee:

In Novato, the holiday season festivities always overflow deep into January. It’s just a ticker tape kind of town.

The public is welcomed to join community leaders Friday night, January 22, when the red carpet gets rolled out for the 2016 Paint the Town Red gala, the city’s 56th birthday. Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Margaret Todd Senior Center’s banquet hall, this soiree of city pride will attract more than 200 people for dinner, music, dancing and the announcement of three huge honors: The Novato Citizen of the Year, the Novato Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year and the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year.

Some of the key reasons why people enjoy living in Novato today are because of the efforts made by previous community leaders who took part in major annual events, service organizations, nonprofits, business groups, schools and city leadership. A few of those leaders ended up being named Citizen of the Year, which has been awarded each year since 1971. At the volunteer-produced Paint the Town Red, revelers will get to hear and see the surprise announcement for the 2016 Citizen of the Year and watch as the stunned recipient goes into emotional overload.

Let’s flash back and relive a few of the honors.

Forty years ago, Paul Scheller was named the 1975 Citizen of the Year. The Novato builder donated countless hours and materials to local projects on behalf of Scheller Construction. He was called “an energetic person who doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘no.” He served as foreman on the Nova-Ro senior housing project sponsored by the Rotary Club.Thirty years ago, longtime police officer Al Mendoza took home the 1985 honor for working with young people and the physically disabled. Mendoza, a crime prevention officer, had been a long-time advisor to Novato Police Explorer Post, coached a girls Bobby Sox team and was active in the California Alpine Club.

Twenty years ago, Nancy Sangster was feted at the 1995 gala because of her involvement in many community activities but especially for her untiring efforts on the behalf of Novato’s seniors. With a city bond issue that provided funds, Sangster stepped to the front to help turn the dream of a new senior center into a reality. Also, Sangster served on the boards of several Novato and countywide commissions and nonprofits.

Ten years ago, former Mayor Jim Henderson captured the 2005 honor after not only living and thriving more than 50 years in Novato but for his legacy of selfless service. In addition to his four years on the City Council, the decorated World War II veteran had a reputation as a quiet but tireless community volunteers for Novato Rotary, Novato Senior Citizens Club, and more than a dozen groups tied to business, culture, the environment, military veterans, and humanitarian efforts.

Make sure to reserve Paint the Town Red tickets soon before it sells out so you can cheer on the new Citizen of the Year. It’s a fun chance to don your cocktail party attire (wearing red is encouraged!) for one of the most anticipated parties of the year. Tickets are $50 on the official website, but you can save $10 per ticket by registering before January 1.

Learn more about past Citizens of the Year at paintthetownred.org.